Arteta’s replacement? Van Persie responds to Arsenal links

Robin van Persie has admitted that a return to Arsenal is unlikely due to his controversial move to Manchester United in 2013.

The 41-year-old is currently the head coach of Eredivisie side SC Heerenveen, following his appointment this summer, and he has responded to rumours of a return to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s replacement in the future.

“I don’t expect to work at Arsenal,” Van Persie admitted to Omrop Fryslan (as per The Daily Mail). “I think that door is closed because of my switch to Manchester United, that is my assessment. You never know in football, but that is my assessment.

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“It is still sensitive for them, not for me. It is especially sensitive for the Arsenal fans.

“I have learned that planning so far ahead makes no sense at all. I don’t want that either.”

Van Persie added: “I mainly live in the here and now. I really enjoy it here and I am very proud to be the coach of SC Heerenveen.

‘I feel very welcome within the club and among the fans. I also think that it is important that you feel welcome.”

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Van Persie has overseen 13 matches since becoming Heerenveen’s head coach in July, with the club picking up five wins, two draws and six defeats during that time. They are currently 12th in the Eredivisie table, three points clear of Sparta Rotterdam in the relegation play-off spot.

Robin van Persie at Arsenal

Van Persie joined Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004 and he spent eight years in north London before moving to Manchester United for €30.7m in 2012.

The Dutchman, who played over 100 times for the Netherlands during his career, scored 132 goals in 278 games for Arsenal, while he won two trophies during his time at the Emirates Stadium.